Some Aspects of a Church Problem of False Priesthood on the Example of the Situation on the Temporary Occupied North-West Territories of Russia in 1941–1944

Abstract

The problem of false priesthood and self sanсtification in the church history became especially acute in times of social unrest, coups d’état and wars. During German occupation due to its strict church-canonical position Pskov Orthodox mission facilitated spiritual renaissance in many respects. At the same time according to memories of the witnesses and other documents there were cases of false priesthood. The article analyses causes, classification and spiritual consequences of this phenomenon.

Keywords

• false priesthood
• self sanctificators
• pskov mission
• baltic exarchate
• sacraments
• church renaissance
• church history
• история церкви
• лжесвященство
• самосвяты
• псковская миссия
• прибалтийский экзархат
• таинства
• церковное возрождение